On February 4, the Northern Lights Confucius Institute of the University of Iceland held Chinese Day 2023 in celebration of the Spring Festival of the Year of the Rabbit. Ambassador He Rulong and Madam Shen Ting were invited to attend the event. Dean of School of Humanities Ólöf Garðarsdóttir, Professor of the Faculty of Languages and Cultures Geir Sigurðsson, Icelandic dean of the Northern Lights Confucius Institute Magnús Björnsson, Chinese dean of the Northern Lights Confucius Institute Zhou Lan, representatives of the Icelandic Chinese Cultural Society, and more than 400 people from all walks of life in Iceland participated in the event as well.

In his speech, Ambassador He extended sincere Spring Festival greetings to all guests, wished all people good luck and happiness in the Year of the Rabbit, and expressed gratitude to the University of Iceland and the Confucius Institute for their elaborate arrangements for the event. By quoting “Friendship, which derives from close contact between the people, holds the key to sound state-to-state relations”, Ambassador He pointed out that language is a significant channel to improve the communication between people of different countries. With the ceaseless growing of China-Iceland relations, the people-to-people exchanges between the two countries have become much closer, and more and more Icelanders have begun to learn Chinese and wish to understand Chinese culture. It is hoped that there will be more Icelandic friends with enthusiasm for Chinese culture and language, who can act as the envoys of people-to-people exchanges between the two countries. Ambassador He also presented awards to the winners of the "My Life·My Love" Chinese Video Contest held by the Confucius Institute.

Teachers and students from the Confucius Institute and  Hamrahlíð College, as well as local Chinese lovers in Iceland performed in the event with wonderful programs such as traditional Chinese dragon dance, Guzheng duet, children chorus, and traditional Chinese costumes Hanfu show, which were favored by a roar of applause and cheers from guests. 

In the part of street fair with festive atmosphere of the Chinese New Year, the guests were active in the interactive programs of Chinese culture, experiencing rich and varied activities such as practicing Chinese calligraphy, playing Guzheng, wearing Hanfu, tasting Chinese tea and enjoying Chinese delicacies. The site was filled with a festive, peaceful and happy festival atmosphere.